In the Marvel and DC universes, there have been numerous swift characters like Quicksilver, Speed Demon, and simply Speed. However, none have matched up to The Flash from DC, be it Barry Allen or Wally West. The Flash has accomplished feats no other speedster has, such as time travel and halting time itself. Yet, a new Marvel character appears to share these abilities with The Flash, offering potential competition. This enigmatic new speedster even gets to join forces with Spider-Man.
SPOILER ALERT: The following contains spoilers for Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1.
In issue #1 of Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man, the plot is devised by the creative quartet of Chip Zdarsky, Cafu, David Curiel, and Joe Caramagna from VC. The narrative opens with Spider-Man examining a building blast in New Jersey. Inside this time-frozen explosion, he encounters a figure capable of movement. Simultaneously, we’re presented with scenes set in the present day, along with flashbacks to a man named Roger, who is a married father and whose dad works for a financial consortium known as Blackcourt.
In a panicked situation, Roger receives a call from his dad, prompting him to rush to his aid. Upon reaching his father’s office, he encounters his father injured along with Dana, while Electro is present as well. Roger manages to subdue Electro. His father clutches a pink rectangular item he refers to as a sample. When Electro discharges his electric energy at the father, the sample detonates, causing time to seem nearly stationary for Roger. However, it’s crucial to understand that time isn’t actually frozen for him; instead, it moves extremely slowly. As the situation unfolds, Roger discovers he can manipulate the flow of time and carries his father to safety.
Marvel Reveals The Origin Story Of Its Flash
Roger contacts Spider-Man in the blast-frozen landscape, instructing him to locate Dana. She confides in Spider-Man that she and Earl were developing a method to decelerate cancer cells using temporal energy from von chronal sources, delivered via a serum. The discovery that their research could potentially speed up time led them to consider selling the technology to arms dealers. It’s Blackcourt who are financing Electro in his pursuit of Earl and Dana.
Roger, employing his influence, has been secretly acquiring medical equipment for his ailing father who suffers from brain cancer. He’s come to terms with the fact that he’s breaking the law, and it’s Dana’s idea for Roger to wear a suit to conceal his identity. If Roger appears like a superhero, people might think he truly is one. Another hidden truth is that Earl’s illness is why he’s been so determined to complete a certain project. So, Roger has been illegally obtaining resources for the project, while also utilizing his powers to slow down the cancer’s growth. However, he can only use his power in one location, which means when he’s not with his father, the cancer has an opportunity to advance.
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As Roger prepares to swipe the final piece of necessary equipment, he unexpectedly encounters Electro and some hired mercenaries. Prior to this, Blackcourt had devised a device capable of accelerating time, effectively neutralizing Roger’s abilities. Although Roger retained a slight edge in speed, a bullet striking the gas line within the building triggered an explosion. In the midst of managing this blast, Spider-Man makes his entrance into the story.
In the blast, Roger created an entrance for Spider-Man to enter, and together they rescued Electro who was injured with debris lodged in his chest. Tony Stark stepped forward to assist Roger and Dana, making two new allies for them within the superhero group. Spidey teased that Roger was already sporting a superhero ensemble, just needing a name. Although he didn’t receive an official title, they did hint at him being known as “Rapid.
Roger yearns to resume his normal routine, yet finds himself preoccupied by parent-teacher conferences. However, Spider-Man and Tony Stark remark that once you’ve adopted this lifestyle, it becomes challenging to simply carry on with everyday life. This is further emphasized as Roger departs with an official Avengers business card, hinting at future appearances in their company.
How Does Marvel’s New Speedster Compare To The Flash?
Rapid shares some similarities with The Flash, particularly in terms of their striking costumes. However, instead of adopting the classic red look, Marvel’s Rapid is dressed in pink and his inner dialogue reflects this unique choice. Rapid is still honing his abilities, which only seem to affect objects nearby. Unlike The Flash who draws his power from the Speed Force, it remains unclear if a comparable force exists within Marvel’s universe for Rapid.
Swiftly can also establish his unique identity distinct from Flash or any other speedster previously known. As readers discover Swift’s abilities simultaneously with him, there remains the intriguing enigma of the Blackcourt investors yet to be fully explored. One might wonder why they have only surfaced now? Why are they employing criminals like Electro? There is much to uncover, and Swift should be at the heart of these revelations.
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2025-06-11 18:40